Abstract

In response to a request from OMI Architects, acting on behalf of Castlefield Estates, Oxford Archaeology North (OA North) undertook a desk-based assessment and site inspection of the former Brazil Mill, Castlefield, Manchester (centred at NGR SJ 383381 397472). The assessment was undertaken during February 2005, and was required to assess the archaeological significance and potential of the site to support a planning application for proposed development.
The site lies within an area of Manchester of considerable archaeological and historical significance. Indeed, many of the structures in the vicinity of the study area form one of the foci for the current proposal for Manchester’s nomination as a World Heritage Site. In particular, the terminus of the Duke of Bridgewater’s Canal, Britain’s first true artificial waterway, lies a short distance to the north-west and elements of the water-management control mechanism associated with this canal are situated across the river Medlock immediately adjacent to the study area.